We were living the homestead life. Nearly all the food we fed our family came from the two acres we lived on. I had a garden and canned our produce for years. We raised and butchered our homegrown pork. Our flock of chickens were abundant and eggs were plentiful. Yet, I dreamed of more. I wanted the ultimate homesteader’s dream, the family milk cow. Now, after years of experience with family milk cows, I’d love to share what I’ve learned and give you 20 reasons to have a family milk cow.
Boosting Your Health with a Family Milk Cow
- Fresh, raw milk: Fresh, raw milk is delicious, and some studies suggest it may offer benefits related to respiratory health. And who doesn’t love chocolate milk?
2. Nutrient-rich: High in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial enzymes.
3. Customizable: You can customize your cow’s diet to meet both her needs and your family’s preferences. For instance, if you want to avoid soy, you can easily adjust her feed accordingly.
4. Allergy-friendly options: Some people find A2A2 milk easier to digest than regular milk. Many people are pursuing A2A2 dairy products. If this is something you’re interested in, then you’ll want to purchase a heifer or cow that has been genetically tested and carries the A2/A2 status.
5. Probiotics: Raw milk contains beneficial bacteria for gut health.
My husband and daughter would suffer from migraines after consuming meals containing pasteurized dairy products. Their GI systems would be wrecked. This was the number one reason for me to pursue a family milk cow. The A2 pasteurized milk purchased from the local stores was expensive and, in our personal experience, it did not alleviate the issues my family had with dairy.
After trying raw milk from several different farms, we realized that raw milk was the solution for our family. The Gastrointestenal issues and migraines did not occur after consuming raw dairy products, even from milk that was not A2A2. This was one of our main reasons to have a family milk cow.
Beyond the Glass: Delicious Foods from Your Family Milk Cow
- Homemade dairy products: From creamy ricotta to delicious aged cheddar, butter to smother on your homemade dinner rolls, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, quark, kefir – the possibilities are endless!
- Cost savings: Potentially cheaper than buying store-bought dairy, especially if you factor in the long-term investment and the variety of products you can make.
- Food security: A reliable source of dairy, independent of grocery store supply chains.
- Reduced food miles: Your milk comes from your backyard, minimizing environmental impact.
- Unique flavors: Experience the difference between fresh, homemade dairy and commercial products.
Making our own dairy products has definitely increased my time in the kitchen. However, spreading freshly made butter on a delicious slice of homemade bread is an experience worth putting time into.
With gallons of milk each week, minimizing waste is always a priority, and I hate the thought of tossing milk out. And there’s a real sense of accomplishment in bypassing the dairy aisle at the grocery store, knowing I have everything I need at home.
A Cow’s Contribution: Self-Sufficiency and Community
- Increased self-reliance: I love knowing what ingredients are in the dairy products I make. Owning family milk cows has increased the skills I’ve learned and this is invaluable to me, especially knowing exactly where my dairy comes from and how it’s produced.
- Sustainable living: The milk cow provides for the homestead in more than just feeding the family directly. Whey from cheeses, and skimmed milk,can go to hogs and chickens. Her milk can feed her calf, and extra calves, to eventually supply the home with freezer beef. Eventually, the cow herself can provide beef for the family.
- Fertilizer: Cow manure is excellent for gardens and pastures. It provides essential nutrients and improves the soil structure. Unsalted whey and excess milk can also be used as great fertilizers.
- Land management: Cows can help manage pasture growth, especially with rotational grazing, which promotes healthy pastures and reduces the need for mowing. By consuming the grass and pasture growth, she supplies the homestead in countless ways.
- Community building: Excess milk can be given to others in the area, specifically for animal consumption (abide by your state laws for compliance issues). Our neighbors had several hundred head of sheep. While lambing, we’d supply colostrum and fresh milk to help alleviate their purchases of expensive powdered milk replacer.
The family milk cow is the center of the homestead, in my humble opinion. She provides in numerous ways both to the family and to other animals on the homestead.
More Than Milk: The Unexpected Joys of Our Family Cow:
16. Educational opportunity: Many people have no idea where their food comes from. Having a family milk cow has taught us many life skills and our children get firsthand knowledge not only of where their food comes from, but also how it is made. In addition, the kids have learned about animal care, responsibility, food production, and animal reproduction. They have seen calves being born, they’ve learned how to give shots, and they understand the importance of clean practices around raw milk.
17. Family bonding: Milking and caring for the cow has been a family experience. The kids help put the milker together, they take turns doing different aspects of the milk chores, and we have some wonderful conversations while the cow is in the stanchion. It’s an experience that I honestly wouldn’t put a dollar value on.
18. Therapeutic benefits: Spending time with animals can be relaxing and stress-reducing. I joke with my husband that having a milk cow is cheaper than therapy.
19. Connection to nature: While doing chores, I get to take a moment and enjoy the outdoors and my surroundings. Watching the cow graze in the pasture, or seeing her laying in the grass chewing her cud, allows me to soak in the blessings of my Creator.
20. Personal satisfaction: There’s an immense sense of satisfaction when providing your family with fresh, wholesome dairy.
Some people dream of a large house or a fancy vehicle. I dreamed of having my own dairy animals and making dairy products for our home.
Teaching myself how to use the milk has been a labor of love, trial, and error. To see the wheels of cheese stacking up in the fridge, letting my kids consume gallons of chocolate milk, watching my husband drink a tall glass of milk and not worrying about all the ingredients in those items, or the side effects they could cause, has been a journey of joy. The family milk cow has taught me countless lessons and helped me develop skills to pass on to my children.
The Milk Cow Journey: Getting Started and What to Expect
If you’re considering purchasing a family milk cow, I couldn’t encourage you more. However, there are some key considerations to think over before taking the plunge. Be sure to read this post, for everything you need to know before buying a milk cow.
Caring for a milk cow is a rewarding commitment. The animal will depend on you for food, water, shelter, and her health needs. Have a mentor lined up to assist you when issues occur or as questions arise.
Are you planning on consuming raw milk? It’s essential to prioritize safety when consuming raw milk. Whether you have your own milk cow or purchase raw milk elsewhere, be sure to ensure the milk comes from a place practicing clean raw milk standards. Many families enjoy raw milk safely when proper precautions are taken. I suggest learning about the Raw Milk Institute. This organization’s goal is to teach farmers how to provide a safe, clean product for consumers and equipping consumers to find a delicious and nutritious product for their families.
These 20 reasons to get a family milk cow are just a glimpse into the ownership experience. Be prepared to invest your heart – a genuine love for your animal and the work involved; your time – daily chores, milking, and occasional extra care when needed; and your money – for feed, vet care, equipment, and perhaps the initial purchase of the cow. When you welcome a family milk cow into your life, you’re not just gaining a source of fresh dairy; you’re embarking on a journey of learning, growth, and unforgettable family experiences.
Share your biggest questions about family milk cows in the comments below!
Meet Hayley
Welcome to Handmilked! I’m Hayley, wife to Chase and mother of four. I’m passionate about learning new skills, making memories with our kids, and living simply.
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